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There are currently 24 member reviews
for Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known
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Joyce M. (Arlington, VA)
For Pet Lovers Everywhere
This book is for anyone who has had and loved multiple pets throughout their life, and even more so for people whose pets are their only "children". It is spot on for how the author describes his various pets and their behavior. His story is in the background, young child to husband and father with older children. He talks about the sad times with sensitivity and the fun times with lots of humor. It was easy to read and is a good "pick-me-up" book. There were few chapters that were a bit over the top silly, and I never really got the "zebra" chapter. I would love to give this book to my fourteen year old granddaughter to read because she loves animals but I worry that the chapter on Vets may scare her. It was good information but I wish it had been an addendum.
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Lynn D. (Kingston, NY)
Dogs and cats and many more
Ulysses S. Cat is a charming book for pet lovers, but it can be enjoyed by everyone. Scott Simon, in writing about all kinds of animals that he and his family have welcomed into their lives, reminds us of the joys and companionship pets can offer us. He extends his stories into his travels for NPR, highlighting the universal appeal of animal stories. With a light touch Simon offers heartfelt perspectives on the privileges and challenges of caring for animal. The drawings are a humorous touch, as well. Highly recommended.
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Patricia M. (Annapolis, MD)
Book Review of Ulysses S. Cat by Scott. Simon Heartwarming Tales of Families and Pets
Book Review of Ulysses S. Cat by Scott Simon Ulysses S. Cat by Scott Simon is a delight for animal lovers. Simon writes with his big heart pouring onto each page. It is a wonderful family story of lives centered on each other, with various pets enriching and weaving the cloth of their family experiences.
I liked reading the chapter vignettes, picking up the book for a few minutes here and there and smiling at the antics of all their creatures. No intricate plots or need to remember facts here! Just pure fun. The chapters might be rearranged, so the reader can begin it feeling the fun and endearing pets' episodes. The author had a very difficult childhood, including an alcoholic father, which is tough for the reader to absorb. It was alleviated by some light and loving events with animals, but this chapter might better be included in the middle of the book, in my view.
Also, the title leads the reader to believe the right be more episodes with Ulysses S. Cat, so a little more on this cat would be good.
Overall, it was fun to read, especially if you have had pets yourself, and relate to their capers and charms.
Patricia Mitchell,
Annapolis, Maryland
March 15, 2026
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Lynne B. (Somersworth, NH)
Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known
This is a delightful book for anyone who loves pets of all kinds. Even if you are just a cat or dog lover there is plenty to entice. Mr. Simon discusses the trials and tribulations of bringing various pets into your life but even more so the wonderful experience of genuine affection and devotion to our pets as family members. There would be triggers for death of a pet in these stories. However, Mr. Simon is able to present all the stories with a sense of humor and at the same time words of beauty for the sentiments that go along with our loving our pets. Highly recommend this book of essays for all who have pets or have ever loved pets.
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Helen P. (Lynn, MA)
LIKE A WARM HUG WITH HOT COCOA
If you love animals, living creatures, or nature, this book has that emotional gratification one receives with a "connection" to a pet, wildlife, or interest in backyard life. Scott Simon speaks of his family and their life with animals that enriches his family's lives. You will get to know how they feel with the duty and privilege when allowing a pet in your home or enjoying backyard critters. One of the quotes that hooked me at the beginning of the book was " but the animals we love take the guard rails off our hearts.." If you have had a pet that brought support, peace, and comfort to you, you will "GET" the feelings expressed in the stories. Do we take care of these animals, or do they take care of us?
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Peggy T. (Richardson, TX)
Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known
I have long enjoyed Scott Simon on NPR and almost felt I could hear him reading this book. In fact, an audiobook with him reading would be great. This book included many of the running mates, as he calls them, of the Simon family as well as stories of other animals the author has encountered through work. The stories were funny, cute, touching, and sometimes sad. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
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Andrea B. (PA)
Animals Are Amazing
The relationships that humans share with animals vary greatly, but I consider myself an ardent admirer of our fellow species. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed Simon's memoir of his experiences with and observations about animals. Some engagements were quite unusual, while many encounters could be understood by any animal guardian/fan. I am still scratching my head over the Stripey tales but thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the escapades of the central characters. I am sure that these reflections, as well as their associated illustrations, will appeal to a variety of readers.
